Angiotensin AT(2) receptors mediate vasodepressor response to footshock in rats. Role of kinins, nitric oxide and prostaglandins

Structural Basis of Bioactivity of Food Peptides in Promoting Metabolic Health

Bioactive peptides have many structural features that enable them to become functional in controlling several biological processes in the body, especially those related to metabolic health. This chapter provides an overview of the multiple targets of food-derived peptides against metabolic health problems (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress) and discusses the importance of structural chemistry in determining the bioactivities of peptides and protein hydrolysates.

Role of cerebellar adrenomedullin in blood pressure regulation

Adrenomedullin (AM) and their receptor components, calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP1, RMP2 and RAMP3) are widely expressed in the central nervous system, including cerebellum. We have shown that AM binding sites are altered in cerebellum during hypertension, suggesting a role for cerebellar adrenomedullinergic system in blood pressure regulation. To further evaluate the role of AM in cerebellum, we assessed the expression of AM, RAMP1, RAMP2, RAMP3 and CRLR in the cerebellar vermis of 8 and 16week old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. In addition, the effect of microinjection of AM into rat cerebellar vermis on arterial blood pressure (BP) was determined. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation and cerebellar vermis was dissected for quantification of AM, CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 expression using western blot analysis. Another group of male, 16week old SHR and WKY rats was anesthetized, and a cannula was implanted in the cerebellar vermis. Following recovery AM (0.02 to 200pmol/5μL) or vehicle was injected into cerebellar vermis. BP was determined, before and after treatments, by non-invasive plethysmography. In addition, to establish the receptor subtype involved in AM action in vivo, animals received microinjections of AM22-52 (200pmol/5μL), an AM1 receptor antagonist, or the CGRP1 receptor antagonist, CGRP8-37 (200pmol/5μL) into the cerebellar vermis, administered simultaneously with AM or vehicle microinjection. Cannulation was verified post mortem with the in situ injection of a dye solution. Our findings demonstrated that the expression of CRLR, RAMP1 and RAMP3 was higher in cerebellum of SHR rats, while AM and RAMP2 expression was lower than those of WKY rats, both in 8 and 16week old rats. In vivo microinjection of AM into the cerebellar vermis caused a profound, dose dependent, hypotensive effect in SHR but not in normotensive WKY rats. Coinjections of a putative AM receptor antagonist, AM22-52 abolished the decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) evoked by AM, showing that AM acts through its AM1 receptor in the vermis to reduce MAP. These findings demonstrate a dysregulation of cerebellar AM-system during hypertension, and suggest that cerebellar AM plays an important role in the regulation of BP. Likewise; they constitute a novel mechanism of BP control which has not been described so far.

Reporter mouse strain provides a novel look at angiotensin type-2 receptor distribution in the central nervous system

Angiotensin-II acts at its type-1 receptor (AT1R) in the brain to regulate body fluid homeostasis, sympathetic outflow and blood pressure. However, the role of the angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT2R) in the neural control of these processes has received far less attention, largely because of limited ability to effectively localize these receptors at a cellular level in the brain. The present studies combine the use of a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic AT2R-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter mouse with recent advances in in situ hybridization (ISH) to circumvent this obstacle. Dual immunohistochemistry (IHC)/ISH studies conducted in AT2R-eGFP reporter mice found that eGFP and AT2R mRNA were highly co-localized within the brain. Qualitative analysis of eGFP immunoreactivity in the brain then revealed localization to neurons within nuclei that regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and fluid balance (e.g., NTS and median preoptic nucleus [MnPO]), as well as limbic and cortical areas known to impact stress responding and mood. Subsequently, dual IHC/ISH studies uncovered the phenotype of specific populations of AT2R-eGFP cells. For example, within the NTS, AT2R-eGFP neurons primarily express glutamic acid decarboxylase-1 (80.3 ± 2.8 %), while a smaller subset express vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (18.2 ± 2.9 %) or AT1R (8.7 ± 1.0 %). No co-localization was observed with tyrosine hydroxylase in the NTS. Although AT2R-eGFP neurons were not observed within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, eGFP immunoreactivity is localized to efferents terminating in the PVN and within GABAergic neurons surrounding this nucleus. These studies demonstrate that central AT2R are positioned to regulate blood pressure, metabolism, and stress responses.

Angiotensin II contractile effects in mouse colon: role for pre- and post-junctional AT(1A) receptors

AIM

This study investigates whether a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists in mouse colon and whether angiotensin II (Ang II) may play a role in the regulation of the contractile activity.

METHODS

Isometric recordings were performed in vitro on the longitudinal muscle of mouse proximal and distal colon. Transcripts encoding for RAS components were investigated by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Ang II caused, in both preparations, a concentration-dependent contractile effect, antagonized by losartan, AT(1) receptor antagonist, but not by PD123319, AT(2) receptor antagonist. The combination of losartan plus PD123319 caused no change on the Ang II-induced contraction than losartan alone. Tetrodotoxin, neural blocker, reduced the contractile response to Ang II in the proximal colon, whilst the response was abolished in the distal colon. In both preparations, atropine, muscarinic receptor antagonist, or SR140333, NK(1) receptor antagonist, reduced the Ang II responses. Ondansetron, 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, SR48968, NK(2) receptor antagonist, or hexamethonium, nicotinic receptor antagonist, were ineffective. The joint application of atropine and SR140333 produced no additive effect. Atropine reduced NK(1) -induced contraction. Transcripts encoding RAS components were detected in the colon samples. However, just AT(1A) mRNA was expressed in both preparations, and AT(2) mRNA was expressed only in the distal colon.

CONCLUSION

In the murine colon, local RAS may play a significant role in the control of contractile activity. Ang II positively modulates the spontaneous contractile activity via activation of post-junctional and pre-junctional AT(1A) receptors, the latter located on the enteric neurones, modulating the release of tachykinins and acetylcholine.

On the mechanism of coronary vasodilation induced by angiotensin-(1-7) in the isolated guinea pig heart

Various mechanisms have been postulated to be involved in angiotensin-(1-7)-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Here, we characterized the vasodilator action of angiotensin-(1-7) in the isolated guinea pig heart. Angiotensin-(1-7) (1-10 nmol, bolus) induced dose-dependent increase in the coronary flow. The coronary vasodilation induced by angiotensin-(1-7) was significantly reduced by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (100 microM) and abolished by a B(2) receptor antagonist, icatibant (100 nM). Coronary vasodilation induced by bradykinin (3 pmol, bolus) was inhibited by L-NAME and icatibant to similar extent as that induced by angiotensin-(1-7). Neither the selective AT(2) angiotensin receptor antagonist, PD123319 (1 microM), nor the antagonist of a putative angiotensin-(1-7) receptors, [D-alanine-7]-angiotensin-(1-7) (A-779, 1 microM), influenced the response to angiotensin-(1-7). In conclusion, in the isolated guinea pig heart angiotensin-(1-7) induces coronary vasodilation that is mediated by endogenous bradykinin and subsequent stimulation of nitric oxide release through endothelial B(2) receptors. In contrast to other vascular beds, AT(2) angiotensin receptors and specific angiotensin-(1-7) receptors do not appear involved in angiotensin-(1-7)-induced coronary vasodilation in the isolated guinea pig heart.

Effect of Losartan Therapy on Endothelial Function in Hypertensive Patients

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of losartan therapy on endothelial function by measuring serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and urinary excretion of NO in patients with essential hypertension. A group of 30 untreated stage 2 hypertensive patients (15 males and 15 females; age, 51.3 +/- 1.5 years) were included in the study. Office systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) was measured by using a mercury sphygmomanometer according to phase I and V of Korotkoff sounds. NO levels in serum and 24-hour urine were determined at baseline and after 6 weeks of daily dosing with losartan (50-100 mg). Losartan therapy resulted in a significant fall in systolic/diastolic BP (from 169.7 +/- 4.1/105 +/- 1.8 mm Hg at baseline to 146 +/- 2.7/91 +/- 1.9 mm Hg at the end of losartan treatment; P < 0.001). The therapy also caused significant increases in both serum NO level (32.74 +/- 3.01 microM/L at baseline versus 79.04 +/- 5.17 microM/L; P < 0.001 after therapy) and urinary NO excretion (58.21 +/- 3.72 microM/L at baseline versus 113.21 +/- 8.63 microM/L; P < 0.001 after therapy). Losartan therapy also reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA), which is a measure of oxidative stress, by 0.201 nM (15.3%; P = 0.009). Losartan at a dose of 50 to 100 mg per day was effective in reducing elevated BP. The increase in serum NO levels and urinary NO excretion and a decrease in serum MDA levels by losartan treatment indicate a reduction in oxidative stress and enhances NO availability, both of which improve endothelial function. Thus, losartan therapy improves endothelial function in hypertensive patients with essential hypertension.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor expression after vascular injury: differing effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin receptor blockade

It has been suggested that the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers are in part because of angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) signaling. Interactions between the AT2R and kinins modulate cardiovascular function. Because AT2R expression increases after vascular injury, we hypothesized that the effects on vascular remodeling of the AT1R blocker valsartan and the ACE inhibitor benazepril require AT2R signaling through the bradykinin 1 and 2 receptors (B1R and B2R). To test this hypothesis, Brown Norway rats were assigned to 8 treatments (n=16): valsartan, valsartan+PD123319 (AT2R inhibitor), valsartan+des-arg9-[Leu8]-bradykinin (B1R inhibitor), valsartan+HOE140 (B2R inhibitor), benazepril, benazepril+HOE140, amlodipine, and vehicle. After 1 week of treatment, carotid balloon injury was performed. Two weeks later, carotids were harvested for morphometry and analysis of receptor expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Valsartan and benazepril significantly reduced the intima:media ratio compared with vehicle. Blockade of AT2R, B1R, or B2R in the presence of valsartan prevented the reduction seen with valsartan alone. B2R blockade inhibited the effect of benazepril. Injury increased AT1R, AT2R, B1R, and B2R expression. Treatment with valsartan but not benazepril significantly increased intima AT2R expression 2-fold compared with vehicle, which was not reversed by inhibition of AT2R, B1R, and B2R. Functionally, valsartan increased intimal cGMP levels compared with vehicle, and this increase was inhibited by blocking the AT2R, B1R, and B2R. Results suggest that AT2R expression and increased cGMP represent a molecular mechanism that differentiates AT1R blockers, such as valsartan, from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors like benazepril.

Analysis of the mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxant action of angiotensin II in the isolated rat carotid

It has been suggested that low concentrations of angiotensin II cause vasoconstriction whereas high concentrations evoke vasodilation. Thus, this work aimed to functionally characterize the mechanisms underlying the relaxation induced by angiotensin II at high concentrations in isolated rat carotid rings. Experiments using standard muscle bath procedures showed that angiotensin II (0.01-3 microM) concentration dependently induces relaxation of phenylephrine-pre-contracted rings. No differences between intact or denuded endothelium were found. The angiotensin II-induced relaxation was strongly inhibited by saralasin, the non-selective antagonist of angiotensin II receptors but not by the selective antagonists of AT1 and AT2 receptors, losartan and PD123319, respectively. However, A-779, a selective angiotensin-(1-7) receptor antagonist, reduced the relaxation induced by angiotensin II. Administration of exogenous angiotensin-(1-7) on pre-contracted tissues produced concentration-dependent relaxation, which was also inhibited by A-779. HOE-140, the selective antagonist of the bradykinin in B2 receptor did not produce any significant effect on angiotensin II-induced relaxation. Pre-incubation of denuded-rings with N G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4] Oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) reduced angiotensin II-induced relaxation. On the other hand, neither indomethacin nor tetraethylammonium (TEA) produced any significant effect. The major new finding of this work is that high concentrations of angiotensin II induce relaxation of the rat carotid via activation of the NO-cGMP pathway through a mechanism that seems to be partially dependent on activation of angiotensin-(1-7) receptors.

Mechanisms underlying the endothelium-independent relaxation induced by angiotensin II in rat aorta

It has been suggested that low concentrations of angiotensin II cause vasoconstriction, whereas high concentrations evoke vasodilation. Thus, this work aimed to characterize functionally the mechanisms underlying angiotensin II-induced relaxation, at high concentration, in isolated rat aortic rings. Vascular reactivity experiments, using standard muscle bath procedures, showed that angiotensin II (1-30 microM) concentration-dependently induces relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted rings with intact or denuded endothelium. The relaxation was not altered in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), a nonselective inhibitor of metalloprotease. The selective antagonist of AT2 receptors, PD123319, inhibited angiotensin II-induced relaxation. Conversely, losartan or A-779, selective AT1 and Ang1-7 receptor antagonists, respectively, did not alter the relaxation induced by angiotensin II. HOE-140, a selective antagonist of the bradykinin B2 receptor, and amiloride, a Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, abolished angiotensin II-induced relaxation. Administration of exogenous bradykinin on precontracted tissues produced concentration-dependent relaxation, which was also inhibited by HOE-140. Preincubation of denuded-rings with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), indomethacin, or tetraethylammonium (TEA) reduced angiotensin II-induced relaxation. The combination of L-NAME, indomethacin, and TEA completely abolished the relaxation induced by angiotensin II. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) as well as charybdotoxin reduced angiotensin II-induced relaxation. On the other hand, neither apamin nor glibenclamide altered the relaxation induced by angiotensin II. The major new finding of this work is that it demonstrated functionally the existence of AT2 receptors located on smooth muscle of rat aortic rings that mediated vasorelaxation via stimulation of B2 receptors by bradykinin, which in turns results in the activation of the NO-cGMP pathway, vasodilator cyclooxygenase product(s), and voltage-dependent and Ca+-activated large-conductance K+ channels.

Angiotensin II-induced relaxation of anococcygeus smooth muscle via desensitization of AT1 receptor, and activation of AT2 receptor associated with nitric-oxide synthase pathway

We evaluated the role of receptor desensitization, activation of AT(2) receptors, and enzymatic degradation of angiotensin II (Ang II) by amino/neutral endopeptidases in rat anococcygeus smooth muscle (ASM) relaxation. Ang II (0.3 nM to 10 microM) produced contractions (E(max) = 21.50 +/- 5.73%) followed by passive relaxations (E(max) reduced to 9.08 +/- 2.55%). Contractions were inhibited (E(max) = 13.67 +/- 2.03%) by losartan (0.1 microM; AT(1) antagonist) but not by PD123,319 [S-(+)-1-([4-(dimethylamino)-3-methylphenyl]methyl)-5-(diphenylacetyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)pyridine-6-carboxylic acid] (0.1 microM; AT(2) antagonist). Conversely, the passive relaxation was inhibited (E(max) = 18.00 +/- 3.45%) by PD123,319 but not by losartan. Ang II (0.3 microM to 100 microM) produced initial contractions (E(max) = 11.49 +/- 9.39%) followed by active relaxations [I(max) (maximum inhibition elicited by the agonist) = 47.85 +/- 4.23%] on strips precontracted by bethanechol (100 microM). A second administration of Ang II on the background of bethanechol (1 h later) resulted in stronger relaxations (I(max) = 64.03 +/- 5.47%) without the initial contractions. N(G)-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester [nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor], ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one; guanylate cyclase inhibitor), PD123,319, and tetrodotoxin (neurotoxin) inhibited the relaxations. The presence of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors was confirmed by Western blot. Experiments with amastatin (1 microM) and thiorphan (1 microM), aminopeptidase, and neutral endopeptidase inhibitors, respectively, excluded the involvement of enzymatic degradation in Ang II-induced relaxation of ASM. In conclusion, the rat ASM relaxation by Ang II is the result of active and passive relaxations. The passive relaxation depends on desensitization of excitatory AT(1) receptors, and the active relaxation is mediated by stimulation of AT(2) receptors and activation of the neuronal NOS/soluble guanylate cyclase pathway.

Chronic hypertriglyceridemia in young watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits impairs endothelial and medial smooth muscle function

Several studies have suggested that hypertriglyceridemia is a common risk factor for coronary heart disease. Although increasing serum levels of triglyceride correlate with hypercoagulability, little is known about the contribution of hypertriglyceridemia to vascular function. We successfully segregated two lines of rabbits with genetically-determined severely high (TGH; 2764 +/- 413 mg/dl) and moderately high (TGL; 191 +/- 12 mg/dl) levels of triglyceride, but with comparable levels of total cholesterol, from Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits. To determine whether hypertriglyceridemia was involved in alterations of vascular function, we conducted isometric tension studies and analyzed protein expression on thoracic aortic rings isolated from young (3-4 month) TGH, TGL and Japanese White rabbit (JW). No difference in percentage of plaque area in the thoracic aorta was found between TGH and TGL. Relaxing responses, evoked by sodium nitroprusside were similar in JW, TGL and TGH, but endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired in TGH compared with JW or TGL (maximal relaxation in JW; 83.5 +/- 2.7%, TGL; 79.9 +/- 5.3%, TGH; 59.1 +/- 5.7%, p<0.05). Relaxation to A23187 was also attenuated in TGH compared with JW, but not significantly different between TGL and JW. Endothelium-independent relaxation elicited by isoproterenol in TGH was significantly decreased compared with JW or TGL (maximal relaxation in JW; 95.2 +/- 2.6% TGL; 91.0 +/- 4.9%, TGH; 75.1 +/- 5.2%, p<0.05). Protein expression of angiotensin II type-1 receptor was increased in TGH and that of nitric oxide synthases-3 was attenuated in TGH compared with TGL. This is the first study showing that endothelium-dependent and -independent vascular relaxation under the condition of combined hyperlipidemia was severely impaired as compared to that under only hypercholesterolemia. These results suggest that hypertriglyceridemia aggravates functional impairment induced by hypercholesterolemia in endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Effect of angiotensin AT2 receptor stimulation on vascular cyclic GMP production in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats

In the present study in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), we investigated whether any angiotensin II (ANG II) increases in vascular cyclic GMP production were via stimulation of AT(2) receptors. Adult WKY were infused for 4h with ANG II (30 ng/kg per min, i.v.) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl, i.v.) after pretreatment with (1) vehicle, (2) losartan (100 mg/kg p.o.), (3) PD 123319 (30 mg/kg i.v.), (4) losartan+PD 123319, (5) icatibant (500 microg/kg i.v.), (6) L-NAME (1 mg/kg i.v.), (7) minoxidil (3 mg/kg i.v.). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was continuously monitored, and plasma ANG II and aortic cyclic GMP were measured at the end of the study. ANG II infusion over 4h raised MAP by a mean of 13 mmHg. This effect was completely prevented by AT(1) receptor blockade. PD 123319 slightly attenuated the pressor effect induced by ANG II alone (123.4+/-0.8 versus 130.6+/-0.6) but did not alter MAP in rats treated simultaneously with ANG II + losartan (113+/-0.6 versus 114.3+/-0.8). Plasma levels of ANG II were increased 2.2-3.7-fold by ANG II infusion alone or ANG II in combination with the various drugs. The increase in plasma ANG II levels was most pronounced after ANG II+losartan treatment but absent in rats treated with losartan alone. Aortic cyclic GMP levels were not significantly changed by either treatment. Our results demonstrate that the AT(2) receptor did not contribute to the cyclic GMP production in the vascular wall of normotensive WKY.

Cross-talk between AT(1) and AT(2) angiotensin receptors in rat anococcygeus smooth muscle

Schild regressions for the selective AT(1) and AT(2) receptor antagonists, losartan and PD123319 (S-[+]-1-[(4-dimethylamino]-3-methylphenyl)methyl]-5-[diphenylacetyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazol[4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxilic acid), respectively, were calculated to analyze the heterogeneity of receptor populations in the rat anococcygeus muscle. For a one-receptor system, the Schild regression has a slope of unity and an intercept of K(B) for competitive antagonists. However, in a two-receptor system, a deviation from the single-receptor plot will occur. This is predicated on the assumption that the secondary receptor is less sensitive to the antagonist than the primary receptor. Results showed that the Schild regression for losartan did not produce a slope of unity, and PD123319 did not produce any effect. However, tissue incubation with losartan plus PD123319 resulted in a Schild regression that has a slope of unity and a pK(B) of 9.32. In the presence of prazosin, an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, losartan did not produce any effect. Conversely, PD123319 enhanced the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent fashion, suggesting an inhibitory AT(2)-mediated effect. This effect was confirmed with assays that showed a relaxant response induced by Ang II on precontracted tissues incubated with prazosin. PD123319 and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [nitric-oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor)] markedly inhibited the relaxant response of Ang II. In contrast, losartan did not produce any significant effect. Consequently, results show that the mechanism underlying the AT(2)-mediated effect is highly dependent on NO generation. Results indicate the presence of a heterogeneous angiotensin receptor population in the rat anococcygeus muscle following a negative cross-talk relationship between the AT(1) and AT(2) subtypes.

Angiotensin II supports sympathetically mediated vasopressor response to footshock-stress

The present study was carried out to assess whether endogenous angiotensin II (Ang II) supports sympathetically mediated cardiovascular response to stress in conscious unrestrained rats, using experimental models in which the renin-angiotensin-system was reduced or blocked. Footshock-stress increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme with captopril or blockade of AT(1)angiotensin receptor with losartan, attenuated vasopressor responses to footshocks, while heart rate response was not altered. Bilateral nephrectomy suppressed vasopressor response as well the elevation of plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline induced by footshocks, and reduced heart rate response. Cardiovascular response to stress in nephrectomised rats was restored by exogenous administration of a subpressor dose of Ang II. Our results demonstrate that in conscious rats cardiovascular response to footshocks is dependent on an active renin-angiotensin system and they indicate that endogenous Ang II supports the sympathetically mediated vasopressor response to footshocks.

Role of endothelin in stress-induced hypertension

In this study we investigated the role of endogenous endothelin in the cardiovascular response to acute stress, ie mild footshocks in conscious rats. Footshock-stress significantly increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate (P < 0.05). Peripheral or intracerebroventricular (IVT) administration of BQ 788, a selective antagonist of ET(B) receptor, did not alter pressor response to footshocks. Intraperitoneal injections of BQ 123 (1 mg/kg), a selective antagonist of the ET(A)-receptor, had a tendency to decrease, while BQ 123 (203 ng/5 microl) IVT administration significantly reduced the pressor response to footshocks (-12 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Neither ET(A) nor ET(B) antagonists, when injected centrally or peripherally, altered basal blood pressure or heart rate. Our results may indicate a role of brain endothelin in the sympathetic mediated cardiovascular response to stress, via stimulation of ET(A) receptor.

Angiotensin II type AT(2) receptor mRNA expression and renal vasodilatation are increased in renal failure

Kidney failure is associated with changes in renal vascular responses to angiotensin (Ang) II. We characterized expression of Ang II receptors and the renal vasoconstrictor and vasodilator responses to Ang II in kidneys from sham-operated and kidney failure rats. In the isolated perfused kidney of sham-operated rats, Ang II (1, 2, 4, and 8 ng) increased perfusion pressure by 27+/-6, 41+/-10, 54+/-11, and 74+/-12 mm Hg, respectively. These responses were amplified by 62+/-10% (P<0.05) in kidney failure rats. Losartan (1 micromol/L), an angiotensin type 1 (AT(1)) receptor blocker, abolished renal vasoconstriction induced by Ang II, unmasking a renal vasodilatation that was greater in kidney failure rats. CGP-42112 (1 micromol/L) or PD 123,319 (1 micromol/L), angiotensin type 2 (AT(2)) receptor ligands, blunted Ang II-induced renal vasodilatation. In the renal tissue of kidney failure rats, there was a marked increase in expression of AT(1) and AT(2) mRNA receptor. Ang II-induced vasodilatation was blunted by eicosatetraynoic acid (1 micromol/L), the all-purpose inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism; clotrimazole (1 micromol/L), an inhibitor of epoxygenase-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism; or Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 1 micromol/L), an inhibitor of NO synthesis. On stimulation with Ang II, 20-HETE was the predominant product released into the renal effluent of sham-operated rats, whereas epoxy-eicosatrienoic acids were the predominant products released into the effluent of kidney failure rats. These data suggest that during development of kidney failure, there is induction of the AT(2) receptors, which may account for increased Ang II-dependent vasodilatation through the predominant release of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids.

Chronic administration of losartan plus hydrochlorothiazide improves vascular status in young cardiomyopathic hamsters

The combination of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and a thiazide has been used extensively in the treatment of patients with overt heart failure. The effect of this combination on the vascular wall early in the disease, however, has not been investigated. To evaluate this effect, the vascular status of 3-month-old cardiomyopathic hamsters was assessed after daily administration of a combination of losartan (25 mg/kg, p.o.) and hydrochlorothiazide (6.5 mg/kg, p.o.) over an 8-week period. Age-matched golden hamsters were used as healthy controls. The contractile response of aortic rings to endothelin-1 was significantly higher in cardiomyopathic hamsters than in control animals. Concentration-response curves for the endothelin-1-induced contraction were displaced to the right after hydrochlorothiazide+losartan treatment (toward the curves for healthy controls); however, E(max) from treated hamsters was significantly reduced when compared to E(max) from untreated cardiomyopathic animals (1.016+/-0.073 vs. 1.346+/-0.153 g, P<0.05, n=6). No significant differences in the EC50 values from these curves were observed between hydrochlorothiazide+losartan treated and untreated cardiomyopathic animals (2.90+/-0.95 vs. 1.10+/-0.85 nM, P>0.05). The acetylcholine-induced relaxation observed in cardiomyopathic animals was not improved after treatment with hydrochlorothiazide+losartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone, but the combination of these drugs increased significantly the basal production of nitric oxide (NO). Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity increased in plasma (from 29.9+/-1.23 to 41.16+/-1.82 nmol x mg(-1) x min(-1), n=8, P<0.05) but decreased in the aorta (from 0.33+/-0.02 to 0.25+/-0.017 nmol x mg(-1) x min(-1), n=6, P<0.05) after treatment with hydrochlorothiazide+losartan. In addition, the combination of these drugs reduced the heart-to-body mass ratio (3.96+/-0.07 for treated vs. 5.01+/-0.20 mg/g for untreated animals, n=7, P<0.05), and the thickness of the aortic media (0.076+/-0.003 for treated vs. 0.149+/-0.009 mm for untreated animals, n=8, P<0.05). Although hydrochlorothiazide alone lowered systolic blood pressure to the same level achieved with both drugs in combination (from 166+/-10 for untreated cardiomyopathic animals to 84+/-1 mm Hg for hydrochlorothiazide+losartan, and 80+/-5 mm Hg for hydrochlorothiazide alone, P<0.05), no significant reduction in heart-to-body mass ratio was observed in animals treated with the diuretic alone (P>0.05). In conclusion, in this model of heart failure, chronic hydrochlorothiazide+losartan administration normalizes the vascular responses to endothelin-1, improves basal vascular tone, and prevents the development of cardiac and vascular hypertrophy.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptors: signalling and pathophysiological role

The signalling mechanisms and biological significance of the angiotensin II type 2 receptor have long been unknown. In recent years, studies, first in cell culture models but now increasingly also in vivo, have shed some light on the molecular events occurring after a stimulation of the receptor with its ligand as well as on its physiological effects and its significance for pathophysiological processes. There is increasing evidence that the angiotensin II type 2 receptor is involved in different pathophysiological processes, such as myocardial infarction, heart and kidney failure, and stroke.

Angiotensin type 2 receptors: potential importance in the regulation of blood pressure

The angiotensin type 2 receptor is one of two major angiotensin II receptors that has been identified, cloned and sequenced. The other major receptor, the angiotensin type 1 receptor, is thought to mediate most of the biological responses to the peptide. The angiotensin type 2 receptor is expressed heavily in fetal tissues, but only at a low level in the adult. Documented angiotensin type 2 receptor expression sites in the adult include kidney, heart and mesenteric blood vessels. The function of the angiotensin type 2 receptor is just beginning to be explored. Most of the evidence suggests that the angiotensin type 2 receptor mediates a vasodilator signalling cascade that includes bradykinin, nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine 5-monophosphate. At least some of the beneficial actions of angiotensin type 1 receptor blockade, such as hypotension, are mediated by stimulation of the angiotensin type 2 receptor. Several recent papers suggest that angiotensin type 2 receptors, presumably located in systemic blood vessels, mediate vasodilation and hypotension. The angiotensin type 2 receptor may be a new therapeutic target and candidate gene for the pathophysiology of hypertension.